TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The Congress party put its weight behind increasing the floor area ratio (FAR) for construction, under the new Regional Plan and demanded that the plan be finalized as early as possible.
“The FAR under the new RP should be 80 per cent as against the existing 60 per cent so that common people can utilize the available area for construction of their houses,” Congress’ South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha said at a press briefing Monday. He took a dig at the government stating that legislators in the current government shouted from roof top during Congress regime to finalize the RP but are now quiet.
“The government is dilly dallying. It should finalize RP as early as possible and the way the people want it to be…” he said alleging there was corruption.
Sardinha feared that large tracts of land are purchased by land sharks in places like Canacona, and with the sky rocketing of land prices, land is unaffordable for locals.
“Increasing FAR will help the common people who are having small land holdings,” he added, while suggesting that areas near industrial estates should be allowed to be converted while low lying, marshy, khazan, communidade lands should be banned from conversion.
The MP slammed the government on the deteriorating law and order situation and entry tax which was in turn affecting the price of essential commodities. He demanded that government reconsider the entry tax.
Sardinha also pulled up the government for the beef crisis in the State. He claimed that 60 percent of the people of Goa are beef consumers, but then retracted and said it was 40 percent, after media pointed out that his facts were wrong.
“Whether 60 or 40 percent of the Goan population, the crisis is on. Christians and a section of Muslims and Hindus also consume beef…The mutton prices are increasing every day,” he complained.
… Unfazed over many probables for LS ticket
PANJIM: Congress MP Francisco Sardinha seemed unfazed over many probables queued up for the party ticket to contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections from South Goa.
“Is it for the first time? Many voices have been there and will always be there,” he said while replying to a media question on too many aspirants from the party staking their claim for the 2014 LS seat. Asked whether appointment of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as BJP’s campaign committee chief would have any adverse effect on Congress’ campaign, Sardinha’s prompt reply was, “Oh My God! BJP has gone eight feet down…Congress is so happy with his appointment. This man (Modi) has already started dividing his party.”
